LMPD Begins Termination Process for Officer Who Fatally Shot Unarmed Man During Assault Call

News conference with Chief Paul L. Humphrey and Deputy Chief Col. Emily McKinley regarding the officer involved shooting from the 3000 block of Cromarty Way on 5-30-26. Chief Paul L. Humphrey has started the process of terminating Officer Nathan Stotts from the Louisville Metro Police Department. This comes after Stotts fatally shot a man while responding to a reported assault on May 30. Several people called 911 on May 30 to report that a man had attacked four people, pulled a shutter off a home and chased a car with it, and was running naked on the street. Because the situation was deemed so dangerous, it was not appropriate for a behavioral health response, and EMS was held back until the situation was considered safe for other emergency responders. The officer’s body-worn camera footage shows a man naked, stumbling, and unarmed approaching the officer, who then fires one shot. The Jefferson County Coroner has identified that man as Martin Nitzken. Pre-termination paperwork was served to Stoss on June 2, after LMPD leadership reviewed 911 calls and the body-worn camera footage. The authority granted to police officers comes with high standards and an obligation to uphold those standards at all times. While policing often requires officers to make difficult decisions in challenging circumstances, this incident does not meet the department’s expectations or standards. LMPD is committed to accountability and transparency.

The officer’s body-worn camera footage shows a man naked, stumbling, and unarmed approaching the officer, who then fires one shot.